West Head Army Track

The West Head Army Track is a short, steep one-way/return bushwalk in the West Head precinct of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. It drops from the West Head lookout area down to the remains of a World War II coastal battery and gun emplacements perched on the headland above Broken Bay and Pittwater. The walk is interesting for two reasons: the views (you’re looking out to Lion Island, Broken Bay and the open sea) and the surprisingly intact WWII concrete structures at the bottom containing observation posts, ammunition magazines, gun emplacements and searchlight positions. Because it’s short but steep with steps and ladders, the track is graded hard by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service. However, this provides a challenging workout with great rewards.

A short history of the fortifications

The battery at West Head was built as part of Australia’s coastal defence network during the first half of the twentieth century, with most of the surviving structures dating to the World War II era. Its strategic purpose was to help protect the approaches to Broken Bay, Pittwater and the waterway approaches to northern Sydney (including Brooklyn and the Hawkesbury River) from enemy surface vessels. The battery complex included two ex-naval Quick Firing 4.7-inch guns on pedestals, observation posts/plotting rooms, ammunition storage (magazines) and searchlight positions to allow night observation and targeting. The concrete emplacements and associated underground chambers are the visible remains today.

During WWII Australia established several such batteries around Sydney although many of those coastal mounts are now wrecked or reclaimed by bushland.

What to Expect

The officially published distance is only 400–500 metres one-way from the West Head lookout carpark down to the battery area. However, the walk is steep, with many steps, ladders and short sections of metal stairwork. Track upgrades and volunteer works have made the route safer and easier to follow while retaining the wartime “soldier’s track” feel. The track leads down through light eucalypt/casuarina forest, to a series of stairs and then to the concrete gun emplacements, a fenced observation area and small concrete magazines by the shoreline.

At the bottom you can wander around the gun emplacements (they’re open to explore but there are drop edges and uneven concrete so use care), peer into the ammunition magazine openings, and stand on small outlooks that give excellent views across Broken Bay to Lion Island, Barrenjoey and the ocean beyond. The concrete observation post and the magazine chambers are atmospheric although most of the rooms are now empty.

Track grade, difficulty and who it suits

Officially the West Head Army Track is graded a Grade 4 (track grading system used by NSW National Parks) and described as “challenging”: very steep in places, steps and ladders, formed track with obstacles. The short length masks the intensity — if you’re unfit or have knee problems the descent is manageable, but the return climb can be quite taxing. Allow roughly 45–90 minutes return depending on fitness and how long you linger at the battery. It’s not suitable for wheelchairs, strollers, or people who can’t manage steep stairs.

Practical difficulty points to note:

Metal steps and ladders: some sections require hand-over-hand climbing. Wet conditions will make them slippery.
Uneven concrete and pathways at the battery: watch your step, there are drop edges and narrow ledges.
Short but steep climb back up: the uphill is harder than the descent.

Getting There

The track head starts at the West Head Lookout carpark in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. If you’re approaching on foot you can also link to the lookout from Resolute picnic area and tracks such as the West Head lookout track.

There is a small carpark at West Head lookout, and the park is subject to NSW National Parks entry fees (or an annual pass). West Head precinct facilities include toilets and picnic areas at Resolute picnic area, but there are no facilities at the battery itself. Check the park’s opening times for gates (they vary by season).